Amp Ultra vs Ultra/Vibelink?

You also have the option of an Ultra plus another manufacturers amp! The implementation of dual amp chips has been around for many years in other manufacturers. It would of course not have a vague resemblance in form factor.

What are other Ultra owners using?

Options could be:
S.M.S.L A200 (Duel Infineon chips)
S.M.S.L PA200 (GaN FET)
Topping PA5 II/PLUS (much cheaper)
Topping PA7/PLUS (more power and measures better)
Topping 2xB100
3E Audio A7 (two TI TPA3255 chips in PBTL configuration)
Audiophonics MPA-S125/S250 (Hypex Ncore stereo)

Plus of course the usual Fosi and Aiyima offerings which are great value!

The topping and Hypex Ncore offerings look interesting......
 
AndrewC said:
You also have the option of an Ultra plus another manufacturers amp! The implementation of dual amp chips has been around for many years in other manufacturers. It would of course not have a vague resemblance in form factor.

What are other Ultra owners using?

Options could be:
S.M.S.L A200 (Duel Infineon chips)
S.M.S.L PA200 (GaN FET)
Topping PA5 II/PLUS (much cheaper)
Topping PA7/PLUS (more power and measures better)
Topping 2xB100
3E Audio A7 (two TI TPA3255 chips in PBTL configuration)
Audiophonics MPA-S125/S250 (Hypex Ncore stereo)

Plus of course the usual Fosi and Aiyima offerings which are great value!

The topping and Hypex Ncore offerings look interesting......
Click to expand...
Yes already looked at those plus
Quad vena 2
Rega brio
Leak 130
Mission 778x
Tangent power amp
Emotiva Basx a2m
Quad 33 power amp
The speaker list may be longer
Been arguing with myself for sometime 😊
Still waiting for a legal settlement to arrive supposed to be soon so will have to decide soon
 
:) Too much choice today.....

I guess the synergy between speakers and amp is the most important thing, (together with good measurements I suppose! ASR)
 
Maybe this is another Pro for Ultra/Vibelink - you get to choose which DAC to use and according to this reviewer he preferred the older DAC in the Ultra.

"Comparing the digital and analogue inputs, it’s almost too close to call a winner. The Ultra uses the previous-generation ESS9038Q2M DAC, compared to the newer chip in the Vibelink. The analogue output from the Ultra’s DAC has better dimensionality and flow, while the Vibelink Amp’s DAC sounds more precise and focused. The optical input is better to my ears compared to the coaxial input, even though I usually prefer the sound of the latter. Ultimately, the analogue input wins the day, as it sounds more natural to my ears."

stereonet.com

WiiM Vibelink Amplifier Review

Eric Teh reckons this compact new Class D integrated amp offers fine value for money…
stereonet.com stereonet.com
 
AndrewC said:
You also have the option of an Ultra plus another manufacturers amp! The implementation of dual amp chips has been around for many years in other manufacturers. It would of course not have a vague resemblance in form factor.

What are other Ultra owners using?

Options could be:
S.M.S.L A200 (Duel Infineon chips)
S.M.S.L PA200 (GaN FET)
Topping PA5 II/PLUS (much cheaper)
Topping PA7/PLUS (more power and measures better)
Topping 2xB100
3E Audio A7 (two TI TPA3255 chips in PBTL configuration)
Audiophonics MPA-S125/S250 (Hypex Ncore stereo)

Plus of course the usual Fosi and Aiyima offerings which are great value!

The topping and Hypex Ncore offerings look interesting......
Click to expand...
Or use a set of active speakers. Some of those would use the analog output of the Ultra, others can use the digital output and have their own DAC.

I prefer to skip the standalone amplifier and let the speaker manufactures implement the DSP, DAC and Amps that matches the speakers exactly.
 
hgo58 said:
Or use a set of active speakers. Some of those would use the analog output of the Ultra, others can use the digital output and have their own DAC.

I prefer to skip the standalone amplifier and let the speaker manufactures implement the DSP, DAC and Amps that matches the speakers exactly.
Click to expand...
That’s what I’m using atm Sonos 5s with a sub why I am looking around at separates to replace them
 
hgo58 said:
There are much better active speakers than the Sonos.

I am currently using these Whafedale Diamond A2 speakers:

www.av.com

Wharfedale Diamond A2 Active Floorstanding Speakers (Pair), White at AV.com

Wharfedale Diamond A2 Active Floorstanding Speakers (Pair), White at AV.com
www.av.com www.av.com
Click to expand...
Agreed but due to the experience and wasted expense Sonos caused me I am wary of going down that path again
Though initially those Wharfedale speakers and the Q acoustics m40s were on my list 👍
 
Skull said:
Agreed but due to the experience and wasted expense Sonos caused me I am wary of going down that path again
Though initially those Wharfedale speakers and the Q acoustics m40s were on my list 👍
Click to expand...
The Whafedale Diamond uses the USB audio protocol over WiFi (24/92) versus the Q acoustics m40s, that uses BT.

I liked the Whafedale sound first time I heard it but after connection to the Ultra the sound is just amazing.

No cables except for the power (external linear PSU).
 
hgo58 said:
The Whafedale Diamond uses the USB audio protocol over WiFi (24/92) versus the Q acoustics m40s, that uses BT.

I liked the Whafedale sound first time I heard it but after connection to the Ultra the sound is just amazing.

No cables except for the power (external linear PSU).
Click to expand...
You connect the ultra with RCA?
 
midnightlightning said:
My HiFi knowledge is pitiful but I am looking to replace a failing Denon Ceol Piccolo and was ready to purchase a Wiim Ultra and Vibelink until I saw the Amp Ultra.

They look pretty similar in many respects and having a single box would be nice but I would be interested to hear views on which might be best - and I acknowledge its probably a scenario dependent answer.

The amp Ultra hasn't been released in the UK yet but based on the EU version pricing is likely around £515 vs £600 for the Ultra/Vibelink. So, my immediate reaction is there is very little price difference and having two boxes provides more options for changing usage in the future.

Is there much to choose in terms of sound quality or other features, what should I be considering?

(BTW. I notice that Amazon.de ships to UK if anyone is desperate for one here).
Click to expand...
Getting mine from Germany, ships to Ireland in5 days,, all in 620.00,, Euro,,👍
 
hgo58 said:
No. Optical to a Hub that forward the audio data via local WiFi. So the DACs used is in each speaker.
Click to expand...
You have made me readd the Wharfedale 12.3 back to my shortlist which I believe are the non amplified version of the a2 speakers 👍
 
So, in the end I decided to go with the Ultra and Vibelink as they offered greater flexibility and about the same "expected" price as the Amp Ultra.

Here is a bit more detail:
  • The Ultra has a slightly older version of the DAC used in the Vibelink and Amp Ultra, the latter two both use the same DAC. So, by using Ultra / Vibelink with RCA or Optical connectors I can choose which DAC to use and whilst I haven't tested yet I have seen reviews where the earlier Ultra DAC was preferred over the newer Vibelink/Amp Ultra DAC. Both sound amazing to me.
  • I prefer the extra connections and the additional options to switch components around in the future - also if one unit fails hopefully the other will continue working.
  • I purchased both for £608 (Electricshop.com), but got an extra 10% off using Complete Savings, which I have anyway, so they cost me about £547. Ordered Sunday, delivered today
  • Wiim support told me yesterday that the Amp Ultra is expected to be available in Aug/Sep in UK but I decided I would still go with the Ultra/Vibelink even if it was available now - so my decision wasn't affected by the release date.
I got the units set up and working tonight. I only had 30 minutes so haven't explored the many options yet but I am extremely pleased with the sound, absolutely fantastic, and a huge step change better than the Denon Ceol Piccolo it replaces even though its played through the same Q Acoustic 2020i speakers which must be around 20 years old.

No doubt the Amp Ultra will be amazing too but I'm happy with my choice :)

I am aware that some people who recently purchased the Ultra/Vibelink are a bit put out by the Amp/Ultra release but it's worth considering the above. Depending on the individual situation the Ultra/Vibelink may still be the best choice.
 
midnightlightning said:
So, in the end I decided to go with the Ultra and Vibelink as they offered greater flexibility and about the same "expected" price as the Amp Ultra.

Here is a bit more detail:
  • The Ultra has a slightly older version of the DAC used in the Vibelink and Amp Ultra, the latter two both use the same DAC. So, by using Ultra / Vibelink with RCA or Optical connectors I can choose which DAC to use and whilst I haven't tested yet I have seen reviews where the earlier Ultra DAC was preferred over the newer Vibelink/Amp Ultra DAC. Both sound amazing to me.
  • I prefer the extra connections and the additional options to switch components around in the future - also if one unit fails hopefully the other will continue working.
  • I purchased both for £608 (Electricshop.com), but got an extra 10% off using Complete Savings, which I have anyway, so they cost me about £547. Ordered Sunday, delivered today
  • Wiim support told me yesterday that the Amp Ultra is expected to be available in Aug/Sep in UK but I decided I would still go with the Ultra/Vibelink even if it was available now - so my decision wasn't affected by the release date.
I got the units set up and working tonight. I only had 30 minutes so haven't explored the many options yet but I am extremely pleased with the sound, absolutely fantastic, and a huge step change better than the Denon Ceol Piccolo it replaces even though its played through the same Q Acoustic 2020i speakers which must be around 20 years old.

No doubt the Amp Ultra will be amazing too but I'm happy with my choice :)

I am aware that some people who recently purchased the Ultra/Vibelink are a bit put out by the Amp/Ultra release but it's worth considering the above. Depending on the individual situation the Ultra/Vibelink may still be the best choice.
Click to expand...
Perfectly valid reasoning. (y)
 
There's one pretty essential thing, though... it's that there's no obligation to use a VibeLink with an Ultra... it allows for a choice of varied amplification, and types of technology other than these TI chips ( low cost but efficiant).
This idea seems to have been "completely swept under the rug...""
:rolleyes:
 
midnightlightning said:
So, in the end I decided to go with the Ultra and Vibelink as they offered greater flexibility and about the same "expected" price as the Amp Ultra.

Here is a bit more detail:
  • The Ultra has a slightly older version of the DAC used in the Vibelink and Amp Ultra, the latter two both use the same DAC. So, by using Ultra / Vibelink with RCA or Optical connectors I can choose which DAC to use and whilst I haven't tested yet I have seen reviews where the earlier Ultra DAC was preferred over the newer Vibelink/Amp Ultra DAC. Both sound amazing to me.
  • I prefer the extra connections and the additional options to switch components around in the future - also if one unit fails hopefully the other will continue working.
  • I purchased both for £608 (Electricshop.com), but got an extra 10% off using Complete Savings, which I have anyway, so they cost me about £547. Ordered Sunday, delivered today
  • Wiim support told me yesterday that the Amp Ultra is expected to be available in Aug/Sep in UK but I decided I would still go with the Ultra/Vibelink even if it was available now - so my decision wasn't affected by the release date.
I got the units set up and working tonight. I only had 30 minutes so haven't explored the many options yet but I am extremely pleased with the sound, absolutely fantastic, and a huge step change better than the Denon Ceol Piccolo it replaces even though its played through the same Q Acoustic 2020i speakers which must be around 20 years old.

No doubt the Amp Ultra will be amazing too but I'm happy with my choice :)

I am aware that some people who recently purchased the Ultra/Vibelink are a bit put out by the Amp/Ultra release but it's worth considering the above. Depending on the individual situation the Ultra/Vibelink may still be the best choice.
Click to expand...
Good to know they say August /September as they said "soon" so I thought it would be within a week or so!

They both seem like great solutions, for me I want the smaller form factor but if it was going in a different room I wouldn't have cared so can definitely see how this is a good solution for many! I don't tend to upgrade this part of my setup either, it's been the lowest priority with older speakers and AVR from my first real setup before it was replaced in my cinema room so I think the flexibility of just upgrading the wiim ultra aspect is a bit of a non plus for me, this setup I've essentially had for 14 years now!

Looks like a wait for me for the UK release!

Hope you enjoy your new setup long term!
 
The upcoming Prime sale might also sway people towards the Ultra+Vibelink if there’s going to be 20% off across the board except for the new Amp Ultra…

RyanWithWiiM

Thread 'Countdown to Prime Day: Save 20% on WiiM Starting July 8'

1080X1350.png

Mark your calendar, WiiM's big summer sale deals are almost here. From July 8 through July 11, enjoy 20% off select WiiM products exclusively on Amazon. Featured deals include:
Whether you're upgrading your current audio setup or starting from scratch, this is your chance to elevate your sound experience for less.
  • Like
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

noelc
Amp ultra review
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
Frank Varon
F
S
Considering buying WiiM Amp Ultra or Eversolo Play Amp.
Replies
17
Views
2K
castalla
castalla
C
  • Question Question
Ultra to Vibelink connection
3 4 5
Replies
81
Views
6K
harkpabst
harkpabst
S
  • Question Question
WiiM Ultra + Vibelink Amp - Volume control curiosity
Replies
7
Views
772
SKApretto71
S
R
  • Question Question
WiiM Amp Ultra vs Vibelink with Ultra
Replies
9
Views
2K
Ronnie D
R
Back
Top